Hospital waste management in Isfahan: excessive infectious waste, treatment gaps, and pathways to sustainability post-COVID-۱۹

Effective hospital waste management is vital for public health and environmental sustainability in growing urban centers like Isfahan, Iran. This study analyzed waste generation, composition, treatment, and disposal barriers across four hospitals (representing ~۲۰% of Isfahan's hospital waste) to identify practical solutions. Using a mixed-methods approach from January to June ۲۰۲۵, quantitative waste audits and qualitative interviews with ۲۰ stakeholders were conducted. Findings revealed an average daily waste generation of ۳,۲۳۲ kg, with ۲۹% infectious waste—exceeding WHO guidelines (۱۵–۲۰%) due to poor segregation. Public hospitals relied heavily on incineration (۵۵–۶۰%), yet only ۵۰% of incinerators had gas-cleaning systems. Private hospitals preferred autoclaving (۵۰–۵۵%) and showed higher compliance with standards (۸۰–۸۵% vs. ۶۵–۷۰%). Key barriers included inadequate segregation (۸۰% of respondents), insufficient infrastructure (۶۵%), and funding shortages (۶۰%). The COVID-۱۹ pandemic exacerbated challenges, increasing landfilling rates ۳.۶-fold due to PPE waste surges. Recommendations include enhanced staff training, investment in advanced technologies like plasma pyrolysis, and stricter regulatory enforcement. Adopting circular economy principles, such as composting, could reduce landfill reliance, offering a roadmap for Isfahan and similar urban settings.

کلیدواژه ها:

Healthcare Waste ، Infectious waste ، Sustainability ، Waste segregation